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Medical Coding Associate Jobs in Cottondale, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Coding Associate information

See Cottondale, AL salary details

$21.8K

$53.1K

$122.7K

How much do medical coding associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical coding associate in Cottondale, AL is $53,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,200.00 and $63,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical coding associate?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Associate, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, often supported by certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with medical billing software, electronic health records (EHRs), and coding databases is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and compliance. These skills ensure proper claims processing, minimize errors, and support the financial health of healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges medical coding associates face and how can they overcome them?

Medical Coding Associates often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequent coding updates, understanding complex medical records, and ensuring accuracy under time constraints. Staying current with changes in CPT, ICD, and HCPCS codes is essential, so regular training and reference to official coding resources is important. Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and maintaining strong attention to detail can help prevent errors and support compliance. Building a network with other coders and participating in professional organizations can also provide valuable support and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Medical Coding Associate vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectMedical Coding AssociateMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), CPC-ACertified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Job FocusAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcessing payments, submitting claims, managing accounts
Common UsageUsed for accurate medical record-keeping and insurance claimsHandling billing processes and revenue cycle management

The Medical Coding Associate primarily focuses on translating medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, essential for insurance claims and medical records. In contrast, the Medical Billing Specialist manages the billing process, ensuring claims are submitted correctly and payments are collected. Both roles often work together within healthcare settings and require similar certifications, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and daily tasks.

What is a medical coding associate?

A medical coding associate is a professional responsible for reviewing healthcare documentation and assigning standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and record-keeping. They typically use coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT and may need certification such as CPC to perform their duties accurately.

What cities near Cottondale, AL are hiring for Medical Coding Associate jobs?

Cities near Cottondale, AL with the most Medical Coding Associate job openings:

Medical Coding Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Coding Associate job openings in Cottondale, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,109 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Medical Billing Coder - UMC Billing Office - 530355

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$21.25 - $26.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $21.25 - Midpoint: $26.59 (Hourly N6)

Department/Organization: 208411 - UMC Business Office

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm; some evening/weekend hours as needed

Job Summary: The Medical Billing Coder provides timely and accurate processing of multi-specialty physician office visits, I/P and surgical hospital visits, and procedural coding in an academic environment. Reviews and corrects charges submitted from the clinic and hospital electronic health record using CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 and insurance payer standards. Follows-up with accounts receivable on unpaid insurance claims. Corrects denials and audit trails. Responds to patient statement inquiries.

Additional Department Summary: Supports medical billing services for the College of Community Health Sciences (CCHS). Prepares and submits clean claims to various insurance companies either electronically or by paper. Reviews and verifies that documentation supports diagnoses, procedures and treatment results. Trends problems in billing and coding and provides timely feedback to Supervisor. Advises Faculty, Residents, other learners, and clinical staff regarding proper documentation and coding services. Resolves coding edits at the time of charge entry to ensure timely claim submission.
Answers questions from patients, clinicians, clerical staff and insurance companies. Identifies and resolves patient billing inquiries. Evaluates patient’s financial status and establishes budget payment plans. Identifies and flags delinquent accounts for submission to the collection agency. Completes worklog tasks and outstanding accounts receivable reports by contacting insurance companies to resolve denials; submits appeals and calls patients to resolve COB issues. Processes payments from patients and prepares End of Day reports. Maintains strictest confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of medical bill coding experience; OR associate's degree or medical coding certificate and two (2) years of medical bill coding experience; OR bachelor's degree and some medical bill coding experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience processing charges submitted in an electronic health record system. Excellent organizational and effective written and verbal communication skills. Detailed oriented. Excellent customer service skills, with respect, cultural awareness, and sensitivity. Ability to work independently and problem-solving skills. Time management skills. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge and skill in working with Excel spreadsheets and Word documents. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by American Association of Professional coders (AAPC). Certified Coding Specialist by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). ICD-10 training/experience.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

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